The Irish Civil War: The Assassination of Sir Henry Wilson (Part 1)

In this episode of "The Rest Is History," Tom and Dominic are in Dublin, joined by Ronan McGreevy, author of "Great Hatred," to discuss the assassination of Field Marshal Sir Henry Wilson in 1922 and its role as the trigger for the Irish Civil War. They delve into Wilson's background as an Irish Unionist and his controversial military career, particularly his hardline stance against Irish independence. The discussion covers the motivations of his assassins, Reggie Dunne and Joseph O'Sullivan, two British-born Irish nationalists and veterans of the British Army, and explores the various theories surrounding who ordered the assassination, with McGreevy arguing it was Michael Collins. The conversation also addresses the political complexities of the Anglo-Irish Treaty, the split within the IRA, and the events leading up to the outbreak of the Irish Civil War, including the ultimatum issued by the British government and the occupation of the Four Courts.